Stelian Moculescu was appointed as head coach of Germany's national team in 1999. Since then he has working hard to improve his team's skills and lift their performance. In 2001, he led Germany to the World League after a long absence but the side walked away winless. However, although his team was a clear outsider last year, Germany managed to win four matches over their superior opponents, including the later titleholder Russia. They finished a creditable ninth, just shy of joining the top eight of the world elite. A former player, Moculescu was a member of the Romanian national team that finished fifth at the 1972 Munich Olympics. He became a successful coach in Germany where his clubs won a total of 15 championships and cups. His goal as Germany's coach is " ...first of all good Volleyball. And then we have to go, step by step, higher." In 2003, he will focus on two important international competitions: the prestigious World League and the European Championship, held in September in home territory of Germany.